A Camperdown Cemetery Story More on Newtown By Elliot Lindsay The gallows loomed before Mogo, its wooden frame casting long shadows in the rising morning sun. The crowd had gathered outside Darlinghurst Gaol as early as five o’clock, throngs of men, women, and even children pushing against one another to catch a glimpse of the macabre spectacle that was about to unfold.  Mogo, an Aboriginal man of the Gumbaynggirr people, had been convicted of murder, and now he was to pay the ultimate price. His fate was sealed, though as he was led out to the scaffold, he seemed calm - far too calm for a man about to meet his end. His lips moved in silent prayer as the reverend walked beside him, his hand resting gently on Mogo’s shoulder. The crowd, restless and loud, jeered and murmured, some curious, others morbidly excited. The gaoler’s heavy boots thudded against the wooden planks as he led Mogo to the noose.  Mogo’s dark eyes swept briefly over the sea of faces, but there was no panic, no visible sign of fear. He had spent the night in prayer, visited by clergymen and even the Anglican Bishop of New Zealand, and though Mogo denied his role in the murder, here he was, walking steadily to his doom. The hood was drawn over his head, and the executioner tightened the noose around his neck. The gallows creaked as the trapdoor beneath Mogo’s feet awaited the signal from the sheriff. In those final moments, perhaps Mogo thought of the life that had led him here, a life full of contradictions and pain, torn between two worlds. Then the bolt was pulled.  The crowd gasped as Mogo dropped, his body hanging limp, the rope silencing any further debate over his guilt or innocence. His life ended there, but his journey didn’t stop. After his body was taken down from the gallows, it was placed on a horse-drawn cart and carried to the outskirts of Newtown, where Mogo’s body was taken to the burial ground at St. Stephen's Church. Though Mogo was an Anglican, and the reverend ensured that he was buried in the church burial ground, his status as an Aboriginal man and convicted murderer placed his final resting place at a lonely, unmarked plot on the outskirts of the cemetery, along what is today Lennox Street.  No headstone would mark his grave, and he would be buried far from the white settlers who lay in the heart of the burial ground. Mogo was gone, but the story of his life and death remained. The Murder at Bellinger River It was April 25th, 1850, a warm and humid day along the Bellinger River. Daniel Page, a timber dealer who worked the cedar-rich banks of the river, had been warned. His companion, Mr Haley, had grown suspicious of the group of Aboriginal men that had been hanging around, and though Page was used to their presence - Mogo himself had often come by, offering to help with various tasks - there was something different about today. Mogo arrived at Page’s hut, offering to take rations to the nearby sawyers, just as he had done before. But this time, when Page accompanied Mogo across the river, they were not alone. Four other men, all Aboriginal, emerged from the bush - Doughboy, Ugly, Mickey, and Charlie, names given to them by the colonists. The mood shifted, and Haley’s warnings now seemed all too prescient. One of the men, Doughboy, threw a spear at Haley, sending him fleeing toward the hut. Page wasn’t so lucky. Before he could react, the group descended on him, beating him with their hands and weapons. They threw boomerangs as Page and Haley retreated to the hut, but the attackers followed, trying to force their way inside. They used whatever they could find - fire-sticks, rocks, even pulling a slab from the chimney. Inside, Page and Haley armed themselves with knives, but it was clear they were outnumbered. A brief skirmish ensued, and though Page managed to fend them off temporarily, he was struck by a boomerang. A gash opened across his neck, and the blood flowed freely. He knew it was a mortal wound, even as he tried to fight on. The men demanded provisions, and fearing for their lives, Page and Haley gave up the rations. With what they wanted in hand, Mogo and the others disappeared into the bush. Page’s condition worsened rapidly. He was too weak to flee with Haley and Mrs O'Neil, the woman who lived with him, so they left him in a secluded spot with blankets, hoping they could return with help.  But when they came back the next morning, Page was gone. He had crawled to a new location, trying desperately to survive, but by the time they found him, it was clear there was little they could do. Page died three days later, his body lying cold in the mangroves. The Arrest The murder sent shockwaves through the region, and within weeks, the New South Wales Government issued a warrant for the arrest of all five men involved - Mogo, Doughboy, Ugly, Mickey, and Charlie. A reward of five pounds was offered for any information that led to their capture.  For Mogo, there would be no escape. He was apprehended near the Macleay River by a man named Gollagher, with the help of some Aboriginal trackers. When they caught Mogo, he was wearing a shawl that belonged to Mrs O'Neil, further linking him to the scene of the crime. Mogo did not resist arrest. He knew what awaited him, though he maintained that he had not been the one to strike the fatal blow. It was Ugly, he claimed, who had delivered the wound that killed Daniel Page. Mogo had tried to prevent the attack, but the others in the group were determined. Faced with disloyalty to his clan, he had no choice but to go along with them. The Trial The trial began on October 7, 1850, at the Central Criminal Court in Sydney. Mogo stood alone in the dock, the only one of the five men who had been captured. The courtroom was packed as the Solicitor-General laid out the case. Witnesses testified to the events leading up to Page’s death.  Haley recounted how Mogo and the others had attacked them, demanding food and supplies, and Dr. Benjamin confirmed that the wound to Page’s neck had been the cause of death. Mr. Holroyd, Mogo’s defence attorney, argued that there was no direct evidence linking Mogo to the fatal blow. He had been present, yes, but there were conflicting reports about who had actually killed Page. According to Page himself, it had been Ugly, not Mogo, who had struck him.  And yet, Mogo was tried as if he had delivered the final blow, under the principle of joint criminal enterprise, which held that all members of a group could be held responsible for the actions of any one individual within it. Despite Holroyd’s arguments, the jury found Mogo guilty. After deliberating for less than an hour, they returned with their verdict. The judge sentenced Mogo to death, and though Mogo spoke English and understood the gravity of the situation, he remained calm and detached throughout the proceedings. It was as if he had already made peace with his fate. The Tragic Life of Mogo Gar Mogo’s story was not just the story of a murder. It was the story of a man caught between two worlds, neither of which truly accepted him. As a boy, Mogo had been taken from his people and land by a European settler named Mr. Guard. The story of his abduction was strange and tragic.  Guard had been lost in the bush and was attacked by a group of Aboriginal men. In a desperate bid to survive, he grabbed a young boy - Mogo - and used him as a human shield to protect himself from the spears and boomerangs.  Mogo’s kin had ceased their attack, and Guard had carried the boy back to his station, where he clothed him, fed him, and raised him as his own. Mogo was the word his people screamed as Guard carried him away, Guard believed it to be his name; however, it was said the word they were shouting, in fact meant “come back” in their language. The boy became known as Mogo Guard, but was mistaken to be Mogo Gar later in his life. For years, Mogo lived with Guard, caught between the life of his ancestral clan and the foreign world of white colonists. He learned to read and write and was raised in the Christian faith, but he was always an outsider - too Aboriginal to be truly accepted by the colonists, and too Westernized to return to his own people.  This inner conflict must have haunted Mogo, especially as he grew older and eventually left Guard’s station to seek his own way in the world. Mogo’s involvement in the murder of Daniel Page was not the act of a cold-blooded killer. It was the act of a man trapped in circumstances beyond his control, torn between loyalty to his people and the colonial world that had shaped him. He may not have delivered the fatal blow, but his presence that day sealed his fate. The law did not care about the complexities of Mogo’s life or the nuances of his involvement. All that mattered was that he had been there, part of the group that had attacked and killed a white man. Eternal Resting Place As the crowd dispersed from Darlinghurst Gaol, the gallows stood empty. Once buried, Mogo’s bones were left to rest for over one hundred and seventy years, in other people’s country, more than four hundred kilometres from his own Gumbaynggirr country. Today, a tree and a small sandstone monument with a plaque can be found above his grave.  “THIS TREE WAS PLANTED TO THE MEMORY OF MOGO, AN ABORIGINAL WHO WAS BURIED HERE ON 5TH NOVEMBER 1850.” A silent reminder of the life he had lived between two worlds. Next time you are walking along Lennox Street, just before you reach Eliza Street, you will find the resting place of Mogo. Stop and reflect that Mogo’s life, though cut short, spoke to the greater conflicts of the time - between settlers and Aboriginal people, between law and survival, and between two worlds that would never fully understand each other. By Elliot Lindsay Sydney-based Historian and host of Murders Most Foul Walking  Tours.

Looking for an educational experience that nurtures your child's curiosity, independence, and love for learning? Northside Montessori School in Pymble might just be the place for you & your children. More on St Ives Northside Montessori School, located in Pymble, NSW, offers a comprehensive Montessori education for children aged 3 years through to high school, Northside guides students through their formative years, fostering independence, creativity, and resilience. A Montessori education at Northside is designed to unlock the full potential of each child by nurturing their curiosity, independence, and intrinsic motivation to learn. From the early years through to junior secondary, students thrive in an environment that adapts to their unique learning pace. Montessori's hands-on, child-centred approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, equipping students with skills that last a lifetime. The focus on self-discipline, respect, and collaboration prepares children not just for academic success, but for a well-rounded, fulfilling life." Northside’s programs include the Toddler Community for ages 18 months – 36 months, the Prep and Kindergarten Program for ages 3-6, and the Primary Program for ages 6-12, as well as an emerging High School. Each stage is designed to cultivate critical thinking, self-discipline, and a lifelong love of learning. Prep and Kindergarten: A Strong Foundation for Future Success Our Prep and Kindergarten programs, tailored for children aged 3-6, offer a crucial early learning foundation. During these formative years, children develop essential skills through hands-on activities, self-directed exploration, and structured play. With a focus on language, math, sensory development, and social skills, our programs encourage curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. The caring and supportive environment helps children grow at their own pace, ensuring they are well-prepared for to progress into our primary school. Classrooms are dynamic and engaging, equipped with authentic Montessori materials that encourage hands-on exploration and discovery. The highly trained educators act as guides, helping students navigate their educational journey while promoting self-confidence and independence. Our Before and After School Care programs provide a safe and engaging environment for children outside of regular school hours. Additionally, our Vacation Care program ensures that kids have a fun and productive time during school breaks. Our Vacation Care offers a range of opportunities for children to explore new interests, make friends, and develop important life skills, all while under the guidance of caring and professional staff. Families are seen as vital partners in the educational journey. Northside creates a supportive community that fosters strong connection. Ready to see how Northside Montessori can inspire your child? Visit our campus, meet our passionate team, and discover the difference that Montessori education can make. Book a tour today to start your child’s journey toward a bright, successful future. Learn more at www.northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au

Learn more about the Scholarships and Bursaries offered at Brigidine College More on St Ives Brigidine College has long been committed to providing a high-quality, well-rounded education for young women. As a part of their mission, their students are inspired to value learning and seek wisdom. Central to this is the College’s Scholarships and Bursaries program, designed to ensure access for students who are not only academically capable but also align with the College’s spirit and ethos. Both programs offer opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in an environment where they can grow academically, spiritually and personally. Scholarships at Brigidine College For students entering Year 7, Brigidine College offers a limited number of scholarships that are designed to recognise and support young women who demonstrate exceptional gifts and potential. These scholarships provide entry for successful applicants into the College, creating opportunities for students to contribute to the vibrant and supportive Brigidine community. Scholarship students actively contribute to the life of the College through their academic pursuits, co-curricular involvement and leadership. Furthermore, scholarship recipients embody the values of Brigidine College being that of our College motto, Strength and Gentleness, as well as a commitment to excellence. Bursaries: Supporting Families in Need Brigidine College understands that some families may face financial challenges that make accessing or continuing a Brigidine education difficult. In line with the College’s commitment to inclusivity and community, bursaries are offered to families who demonstrate genuine financial need, ensuring that no student is denied the opportunity for a Brigidine education due to financial hardship. Bursaries are awarded based on a compassionate review process, ensuring equity and fairness. "Receiving a Brigidine bursary has been life-changing for our family. It has allowed our daughter to continue her education at Brigidine and therefore thrive in an environment that nurtures her talents and supports her growth, both academically and personally. We are so grateful for the opportunity that Brigidine has provided for our family" - Parent of student on Brigidine Bursary. The Brigidine Bursary is conditional on families having explored and exhausted all other means of financial support. Brigidine College seeks to help those who genuinely require assistance and are committed to being active members of the College community. A Commitment to Community and Excellence Both the Scholarships and Bursaries programs at Brigidine College are embedded in a deep commitment to providing opportunities for young women to succeed, regardless of their financial situation. By fostering an inclusive environment, the College ensures that its students are drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds, enriching the fabric of the school community and strengthening its core values. Both the Scholarship and Bursary programs reflect Brigidine College’s ongoing dedication to nurturing each student’s gifts, talents and potential. Whether through academic achievement, community involvement, or leadership, students who receive Scholarships and Bursaries are supported to excel and become future leaders who embody the College’s values. Applications for Scholarships are now open Applications for both Scholarships and Bursaries are now open to prospective Year 7 students for 2026. Families interested in learning more about these opportunities are encouraged to visit the Brigidine College website for detailed information on the application process, criteria and timeline. At Brigidine College, it’s believed every young woman deserves an opportunity to flourish in a nurturing and supportive educational environment. Through the Scholarships and Bursaries program, Brigidine continues to open doors to a brighter future, empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. For more information or to apply, please visit the Brigidine College website or contact the College Enrolments Manager. Brigidine College 325 Mona Vale Road, St Ives Ph: (02) 9988 6200 www.brigidine.nsw.edu.au

Re Place is Reviving Fashion, One ‘Re’ At A Time (Recycle, Repurpose, Repair, Reuse, Reduce, Rethink) More on Marrickville Nestled in the heart of the Inner West community (Summer Hill) for the past 18 months, Re Place is more than your average thrift store; it’s a vibrant hub of sustainability, run by the dynamic duo Bindi Lea and Leyne Elbourne, alongside the invaluable Roz Palmer.  But we can’t forget the real stars of the show - more than 30 enthusiastic volunteers, each contributing their time and talents to keep the wheels of this eco-friendly enterprise turning. At Re Place, the mission is as clear as a freshly laundered shirt: circular clothing and textiles. Re Place accept unwanted or damaged items, ensuring they don’t become fabric casualties in a landfill. The team meticulously sorts through every piece that comes in, categorising them into three piles: reuse, repurpose, and recycle. For Locals, recycling and repurposing comes with a small fee, but dropping off reusable items is absolutely free. A favourite function of this preloved clothing warehouse are the efforts to keep high-quality fashion accessible to everyone. By making clothing affordable, Re Place are encouraging more people to choose secondhand options over fast fashion, keeping textiles circulating and out of landfills.  And all items are priced under $20 - wonderful news in today’s challenging economy! But that’s not all! The team at Re Place offers free workshops, valuable advice and vouchers for clothing to further support our community. You can even find them giving away free clothes, from overstocked activewear to gently worn items with minor imperfections - each ready for a little TLC, so they can continue their journey in someone else’s wardrobe. Want to get involved? You can shop at Re Place or simply engage online. Liking, commenting, and sharing posts helps spread the word and attract more fashion-savvy shoppers.  Re Place, The Sustainability Hub, 7 Prospect Rd, Summer Hill, 2130 Website:  www.re-place.org.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/replaceinnerwest Instagram: www.instagram.com/re_place_inner_west

Inner West Council has reappointed long-standing Mayor, Darcy Byrne, for another term. More on Marrickville Known for his passionate advocacy for progressive causes and community engagement, newly re-elected Mayor, Darcy Byrne, has played a key role in shaping the vibrant, culturally diverse region that spans Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt, and other suburbs which make up the Inner West Council area. With a background in public policy and a dedication to social justice, and promoting Arts and Entertainment, he has focused on making the Inner West a more inclusive and sustainable place to live. Mayor Byrne is a strong advocate for environmental initiatives. Under his leadership, the Inner West Council has made strides toward sustainability, including introducing one of Sydney’s most ambitious waste reduction and recycling programs, and committing to becoming carbon neutral. A champion of arts and culture, Mayor Byrne has been instrumental in launching the Inner West’s first Pride Centre at Newtown Town Hall, providing a dedicated space for the LGBTQIA+ community. He has also worked to revitalise local heritage, pushing for the protection of historic landmarks and the promotion of local artists and cultural events. Mayor Byrne’s vision for the Inner West is one that blends progressive values with practical, community-focused initiatives. His new priorities for the Inner West community are: Strong financial management including no special rate rises for the next 4 years Delivering new planning controls to address the housing affordability and supply crisis Renovating the iconic Leichhardt Oval Upgrading and rebuilding Leichhardt Pool Creating a state-of-the-art indoor sports centre at Tempe Opening new special entertainment precincts throughout the main streets of the Inner West Making White Bay Power Station a permanent, world-class arts and cultural venue

The Illawarra and Marrickville Road precinct has been added to Sydney’s growing list of Purple Flag areas, joining York, Clarence, and Kent Streets in the CBD, Parramatta CBD and Haldon Street in Lakemba. More on Marrickville The Purple Flag is a global initiative promoting areas that offer a safe, vibrant and well-managed nightlife. To simplify, the state government has likened the Purple Flag initiative to surf-life-saving flags: “Just as beachgoers look for red and yellow flags to know where it is safest to swim, the Purple Flag program provides similar guidance when it comes to going out after the sun goes down”. A key initiative in the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy, Commissioner Michael Rodrigues had this to say about Marrickville’s new Purple Flag area: “I am excited to welcome the Illawarra and Marrickville Road precinct to the Purple Flag family. This is the fourth district now accredited in Sydney and marks the conclusion of our pilot program which highlights the diversity of Sydney’s going-out offering. “From Parramatta’s Eat Street and YCK Laneways’ small bars to Haldon St Lakemba made famous through the celebration of Ramadan, and now Marrickville’s live music precinct.” Purple Flag accredited areas must comply with a comprehensive list of criteria before being granted the prestigious status. This includes responsible guardianship, customer care and concern for community health. As well as safe, affordable, well-managed late-night public transport, including adequate provision for taxi, ride share and other on-demand drop-off and pick-up services. It’s not only punters looking for an excellent evening that benefit from the Purple Flag; local businesses have a lot to gain as well. The NSW scheme expects businesses to see an increase in patronage as the Purple Flag becomes a more recognisable symbol in Sydney night trade. Whether you’re popping in to pick up a bottle of bubbles or relaxing with a cold local brew in their front bar, Thirstville Bottleshop and Bar has quickly become a community staple since its opening in 2016. The venue is sure to be enjoyed by more Sydneysiders now that the area has gained its Purple Flag. We spoke with store manager Imogen Murphy who said; “Marrickville Road becoming accredited as a Purple Flag district is motivational but for Illawarra Road to be included is complimentary to all the work the small businesses down here have put in those who have persevered and to those who have seen the potential in this part of the world. This accreditation allows us to continue to strive for the ‘bigger picture’ in Sydney’s economy. Food offerings, wholesome beverages, art and creation. It has reinforced that good old neighbourly hospitality is celebrated not just locally but globally” Similarly, Marrickville Purple Flag representative and Lazy Bones Lounge co-owner Craig Pietersen told the State Government: “We have been operating on the corner of Illawarra and Marrickville Roads for 11 years. We’ve watched this precinct change and grow over time into a place that people love coming to visit. “From our multicultural dining destinations to our live music hotspots, we are excited to have achieved Purple Flag status and look forward to showing visitors and locals alike what makes Illawarra and Marrickville Roads a great place to be at night.” The Marrickville area was the last of four pilot precincts in Sydney – the program is now being rolled out state-wide and we can expect more NSW areas to be waving the Purple Flag soon! To read more about the Purple Flag initiative, visit: www.nsw.gov.au and search “Purple Flag”

The Newtown Jets are rugby league’s ultimate underdogs – an embodiment of resilience, history and community spirit in Australian football and the nation’s sport in general. More on Newtown The Newtown Jets, Australia’s oldest rugby league club, was founded on the 8th of January 1908 at a public meeting at the Newtown Town Hall. The meeting was convened by James J. Giltinan (a prominent Sydney sportsman), after whom the NSW Rugby League Premiership Shield is named. The local MP Harry Hoyle and Harry Hamill (who came to be Newtown’s first captain) also attended the meeting. The Newtown District Rugby League Football Club was the first club to be founded in Australia, and the club still holds the minutes of the original meeting that was held in the Newtown Town Hall (with the date of the meeting clearly shown in those documents).  The club held a well-attended celebration of its Centenary on the 8th January 2008, in the very same assembly room where the foundation 1908 meeting had been held.   Humble Beginnings in the Inner West After its foundation meeting and during its first playing season in 1908, the club came to be popularly known as the Bluebags,  with the nickname being drawn from the small blue bags of laundry enzymes used by many thousands of Sydney housewives to brighten their white laundry items.  The Newtown Rugby League Football Club (Newtown RLFC) was one of the nine foundation clubs in the New South Wales Rugby Football League (NSWRFL) when rugby league commenced in Australia in 1908. The rugby league game had originally been formed in England on the 29th August 1895. Newtown’s first premiership was achieved just two years later in 1910 when they defeated South Sydney. Newtown’s early years were a testament to the knockabout nature of the new rugby league code. In 1910, during the Final against South Sydney, Newtown was awarded a “first past the post” premiership title.  The Bluebags had finished equal at the top of the ladder and in the thrilling 1910 Final, they drew 4-all. Newtown was awarded the premiership on a total points for and against basis, in what remains one of the sport’s more unusual moments.  The 1911-12 Australian Kangaroos touring team to England had seven representatives from the Newtown club in the national rugby league team.   The Golden Years   The 1930s and 1940s were successful years for the Newtown club. In 1933, under the coaching of Charles “Boxer” Russell and the captaincy of Keith Ellis, Newtown won their second NSWRFL first grade premiership.  In 1943, the Bluebags claimed their third first grade premiership title when they defeated North Sydney. Newtown was coached by Arthur Folwell and captained by the inimitable Frank “Bumper” Farrell and the team contained several of the great player identities of that era. “Bumper” Farrell was a larger-than-life figure both on and off the field and one of his team-mates, Herb Narvo, had been the Australian heavyweight boxing champion.   Despite their successes on the field in the 1930s and 1940s, Newtown was always a club battling financial difficulties. By the 1950s and 1960s, with the introduction of poker machines in NSW, Newtown faced fierce competition from bigger clubs that managed wealthy licenced venues and had larger population bases to draw on. That meant they had more money to spend in the marketplace for quality rugby league players.Newtown made successive first grade Grand Finals in 1954 and 1955, losing to the powerful South Sydney club on each occasion. By the late 1960s, it was apparent that the Newtown Bluebags were facing an increasingly more difficult task to survive as a top level rugby league club. The (Brief) Resurgence of the Newtown RLFC In 1973, under what was the one-year coachinging reign of Jack Gibson, the club underwent a significant transformation in rebranding from the Bluebags to the Jets. This was an obvious reference to the club’s location under the nearby Sydney Airport flight path and the need for a modern club identity.  Under Jack Gibson’s coaching, the club made the finals in all three grades and remarkably won the 1973 NSW Rugby League Club Championship (an award based on the cumulative performances of all three grades) for the first time in the club’s history. This was an extraordinary achievement for a club with such limited financial resources and a small population base to draw on.   The club went into a critical decline from 1974 to 1978, finishing with the infamous “wooden spoon” in first grade from 1976 to 1978 inclusive. The arrival of the flamboyant advertising entrepreneur John Singleton as a club sponsor and strategist saw an improvement in the club’s playing fortunes, along with the appointment of Warren Ryan as the first grade coach in 1979. The signing of numerous top class players including the pugnacious Tom Raudonikis saw the club’s playing fortunes improve, resulting in an exhilarating run into the first grade Grand Final in 1981, but ending in a narrow loss to Parramatta.   This early 1980s playing revival wasn’t quite enough to solve Newtown’s financial problems. In a national economy that was in severe recession in 1982 and 1983, Newtown’s overall financial position worsened.  With the NSWRL looking to rationalise the number of first grade clubs in Sydney, and with a failed attempt to relocate the Newtown Jets to Campbelltown, the Newtown RLFC was expelled from the NSWRL competition in late 1983. From Near Extinction to Folk Hero Status Newtown did not field any rugby league teams between 1984 and 1990. While most clubs might have faded away into total oblivion, the Newtown Jets became a symbol of rebirth. They entered the third-tier NSWRL Metropolitan Cup in 1991, winning first grade premierships in this competition in 1992 and from 1995 to 1997 inclusive.  In 2000 the club was accepted into what was the former NSWRL reserve grade competition, and which is now known as the NSW Cup. The club has won premierships in this second-tier grade in 2012, 2019 and in 2024, as well as finishing runners-up in 2006, 2008 and 2018.  The re-born Newtown Jets have survived as a semi-professional rugby league club, forming a passionate fan base that appreciates the club’s history and its return to a very high standard rugby league competition.   A New Era of Community Engagement Today, the Newtown Jets play in the NSW Cup as a feeder club to the NRL’s Cronulla Sharks. They have had partnerships in the past with other NRL clubs such as the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters. Their matches at their revered home ground, Henson Park, have become community events.  On fine days at Henson Park, the Jets attract big crowds of die-hard fans, many of whom enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere at the ground. These home-game occasions provide some of the most unique experiences in Australian rugby league. Their annual Beer, Footy and Food Festival has become an iconic celebration of inner-western Sydney community culture.The Newtown Jets are more than just a rugby league team. They have come to represent survival, tenacity, and the new and vital spirit of their greatly-changed inner-western Sydney community. Their 116 years-long story has been one of ups and downs, but their place in rugby league history – and in the hearts and minds of their supporters – is unquestionable.  While they are not competing in the top-level NRL, they remain one of Sydney’s truly unique and most beloved sporting institutions – a reminder that success in sport isn’t always measured by premierships and financial resources alone. Sometimes, it’s about the fight and determination to keep going.

By ALEC SMART Morella Mansion, the long-abandoned harbourside property at 5 Morella Rd, Mosman, has finally sold, after being relisted. More on Mosman The 891sqm terraced estate, with majestic north-easterly views over the historic submarine base at Chowder Bay and beyond to Sydney Heads, has been empty since 2001.   Reputedly haunted, it appears the dilapidated acropolis is not giving up its ghost for the foreseeable future, although a previous change of ownership in 2016 didn’t yield any change on its road to ruin.   During the first half of 2024, numerous articles appeared in the media reporting that the infamous property was up for sale again. (This was undoubtedly a relief to affluent neighbours who were tired of living alongside a ruin that was a magnet for vandals and revellers.) Speculators opined that Morella would sell for around $10 million. The front entrance to Morella Mansion is less impressive than the rear. Photo: Alec Smart   In February, Realestate.com reported   that the home, which they called a “Horror $10m TikTok mansion”, attracted 97 enquiries within 24 hours of its listing. The article claimed “the house goes to auction on March 8.” However, March 8 came and went and there were no expressions of interest. Shortly afterwards, Atlas Lower North Shore Property took over management of Morella.   Then, on 25 September, Realestate.com reported  that it sold for “between $8m and $9m, according to industry sources.” In June this year, Bo Zhang, the realtor at Atlas who oversaw the Morella Mansion sale, took Channel 9’s A Current Affair  TV film crew on a guided tour  of the decrepit villa. I asked Bo: if the next purchaser spends the estimated $8 million for essential renovations and upgrades needed, in addition to the estimated $10 million purchase of the property, would Morella Mansion recoup the $18 million investment if it was relisted for sale? “Much more than that!” he replied. “It would be around $28 million. $30 million is possible.” History The multi-storey house, with a small garage on Morella Rd at the top of the estate, was commissioned by Leandro ‘Leo’ Parer and his wife Helena, after they purchased the property in 1936 for a reported £500 (approx. $1000). The Art Deco-inspired building was designed in 1939 by Eric Nicholls, protégé of Walter Burley Griffin, the prolific American architect who won the international competition to design Canberra city. (Nicholls took over Griffin’s design company after the latter died in India in 1937.) After its completion, Morella Mansion featured over six pages in the Apri l 1943 edition   of Home Beautiful  magazine, where Nicholls was commended for his design, an homage to Griffin, his mentor.   Morella Mansion featured in the April 1943 edition of Australian Home Beautiful  magazine Leo Parer, a director of the Stanford X-Ray Company, was a brother of acclaimed aviator Ray Parer (who, with his navigator John McIntosh, completed the first single-engine aircraft flight from England to Australia in 1920). They were cousins of WWII Australian cinematographer Damien Parer (who was tragically killed by Japanese gunfire on Peleliu Island in 1944).   Leo and his wife Helena settled in Morella, where they reportedly hosted lavish parties attended by society ‘elite’, including several Prime Ministers. Leo eventually passed away   in February 1968, Helena in July 1989, and the property passed on to their youngest son Anthony, who later relocated to northern NSW in 2001, leaving it vacant. Thereafter began its slow and inevitable decline...   Decline to dereliction Over the years, natural weathering has inflicted major damage – including the complete collapse of the upper level bedrooms and rotted timber floors throughout. The remaining infrastructure, including bathrooms, kitchen, etc, were wrecked by interlopers, and vandals have spray-painted the interior walls with tags and slogans (some of them racist).   Unfortunately, the yellow brick building with sandstone block rear veranda is now so severely dilapidated that the repair costs are substantial. In September 2022 Mosman Council made an estimate   of $8,039,637.   Rumours abound that Morella is haunted, attributed   mainly to tragedies that beset the Parer family - principally Leo and Helena’s eldest daughter Sarita, who died in a 1979 plane crash  in Mexico, aged 42.   A bitter legal quarrel erupted over inheritance of Morella Mansion after Anthony, Sarita’s younger brother and the last direct descendent of Leo and Helena, died intestate in May 2015, aged 84. Marianna, Anthony’s older sister, believed she had first entitlement. Anthony’s carer and de-facto partner ‘Chewy’ Ho Hong was ultimately granted ownership. She sold it at auction the following year for $6.6 million to a young Chinese architect, Edward Wei, who outbid a single competitor.   Since the 2016 sale Morella has remained untouched, despite rumours of proposed renovations by the new owner. In May 2016, to deter squatters and enforce safety, Mosman Council ordered the windows and doors boarded-up and the site surrounded with high wire fencing. Nevertheless, this reporter found the premises easy to access with fencing torn open, hoarding removed, and evidence of random visitors still gaining regular entry.   Parts of the building are Heritage Listed under Mosman Council’s Local Environment Plan (albeit not on the national Heritage Register). However, the multi-storey dwelling comes with a recently revised Development Approval  to enable the new owner to make substantial structural changes and add a swimming pool.   Morella relisted   So, whomever had a spare $18 million burning a hole in their back pocket has just invested in a project with significant returns. Or perhaps they just wanted a villa with wonderful harbour views and a fascinating history, and Morella Mansion is right up their alley, as the expression goes. Now they just have to adapt to sharing it with the ghost…   Morella Mansion's downstairs room, facing Chowder Bay. Photo: Alec Smart ================================================

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best markets around Newtown and the Inner West More on Newtown Calling all market mavens! If you get a thrill from wandering through stalls, finding hidden gems, and sampling delicious goodies, Newtown and the Inner West are a treasure trove for market lovers. Whether it's food, fashion, or funky finds, grab your reusable bags and let's check out the best markets in your neck of the woods! Inner West Night Markets Fraser Park, Marrickville First Friday of the Month, 5 pm - 9:30 pm The Inner West Night Markets at Fraser Park are a vibrant monthly event held on the first Friday of each month from 5-9:30 pm. Located in the heart of Marrickville, the markets showcase a diverse range of local food vendors, handmade crafts, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can explore an array of cuisines, discover unique artisan goods, and enjoy the relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal, one-of-a-kind products, or simply a fun evening out, the Inner West Night Markets offer something for everyone in a lively, welcoming setting.  Newtown Record Fair Bank Hotel Nov 1, 12 - 5 pm Last Newtown Record Fair for 2024! Your friendly record fair in the heart of Newtown. Every couple of months the vinyl community meets up to crate-dig over 20,000 new, secondhand and collectable vinyl for sale with expert record sellers. Vinyl deejays, full craft beer bar, yummy restaurant and dog/kid-friendly surrounds - what’s not to love? It’s always free entry and on from 12-5pm in the back beer garden of the Bank Hotel, Newtown.  Marrickville Organic Food Markets Addi Rd Community Centre Every Sunday, 9 am - 3 pm Marrickville Organic Food Markets bring together a wide range of stallholders offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, dairy products, and artisanal bread, to homemade jams, honey, and gourmet foods. This market is dedicated to promoting organic farming practices and supporting local producers. In addition to fresh produce, the market also features stalls selling handmade crafts, clothing, flowers, and eco-friendly products, making it a well-rounded destination for locals and visitors alike.  The Finders Keepers Market Carriageworks, Nov 15 - 17 Friday 15th: 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday 16th + Sunday 17th: 10 am - 5 pm Visit Australia’s most loved design market as The Finders Keepers returns to Carriageworks for the second and final time in 2024. The Finders Keepers Market 2024 will be bringing more than 150 of Australia's best designers, makers, artists and foodies to their old stomping grounds, Carriageworks. This is your place to connect and celebrate creativity. The Finders Keepers Market is more than Australia’s favourite design market - they’re growing the mindfully-made, thoughtfully-bought revolution, with you. Take a break from scrolling and start strolling the market aisles, boogie to live local DJs, eat fresh food, sample the bars and support Australia’s creative best. A low sensory hour will be hosted on Sunday from 9 am to 10 am (tickets available), the ticket also includes general admission so you can stay after the hour if you wish. During the low sensory hour, lights will be dimmed, music off, and noise and crowd levels kept low during this hour for those who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation. Tickets are available online and on the door all weekend, and kids under 13 are free! Your standard ticket is valid for single-day entry on any of the market dates. By purchasing tickets online, you'll go in the draw to WIN one of five Peppermint Magazine subscriptions. Single-day standard tickets: $6 + booking fee - come any day! Multi-day tickets: $10 + booking fee - come back any time! Low sensory hour tickets, Sunday 9 am - 10 am:  $6 + booking fee, includes general admission Kids under 13 are still free!

Newtown Town Hall transformed into the Inner West Pride Centre and opened to the public on September 9. It is being managed by the respected support service Twenty10. More on Newtown In 2018 the Inner West Council investigated hosting a Pride Centre in the Inner West and consulted with the community, inviting locals to help create a vision for the Pride Centre. After consulting with the local community, it was discovered that 87% of Inner West Locals believe it was ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ important to have a Pride Centre in the Inner West.  Newtown Town Hall was identified as a prime location for the Pride Centre that aligned with the community vision. The Inner West Pride Centre is intended to:  Provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. Address social isolation of all risk groups within the LGTBQ+ community by providing a safe, accessible space to connect, gather, and support. Provide access to services and programs (with particular emphasis on services and programs responsive to the Inner West LGBTQ+ community). In 2023, Inner West Council invited Expressions of Interest from suitable organisations for the management/operation of the Inner West Pride Centre at Newtown. Following a rigorous Expression of Interest process, which saw applications received from a number of high-calibre community organisations, in December 2023 the appointment of Twenty10 was announced. Established in 1982, Twenty10 initially began as a crisis accommodation service, but has since expanded to offer broader support, including mental health services, counselling, social programs, and housing assistance. They are known for providing a safe space where young people can seek advice, connect with peers, and access health and welfare services. Twenty10’s vision for the Centre is a safe, accessible hub for connection, care, creativity, and collaboration for LGBTQIA+ communities. In addition to running their own core programs, Twenty10 will bring the Pride Centre to life through partnerships with other grassroots LGBTQIA+ organisations, groups and communities.  Internal remediation works were taken by Council at the Newtown Town Hall site, to ensure a fresh and welcoming building was available for the whole community. The Pride Centre began services on September 9, 2024.

Taronga Zoo is Sydney’s iconic Zoo that we all know and love - but it wasn’t Sydney’s first. Where were the animals before? More on Mosman In 1884, Sydney's first zoo opened its gates to the public. Located in Moore Park, the zoo shared its grounds with the Moore Park Racecourse, opened in 1882, the Sydney Cricket Grounds, also opened in 1884, and the beautiful Moore Park Gardens.  Officially named the Sydney Zoo , this pioneering institution marked the beginning of Sydney's engagement with wildlife conservation and public animal education. The zoo featured a range of exotic and native animals, including lions, elephants, monkeys, and kangaroos. It aimed to provide an educational experience for visitors while offering a glimpse into the animal kingdom. Moore Park Zoo postcard, 1912 However, the Sydney Zoo faced a lot of challenges. Financial difficulties, evolving standards for animal welfare, and the limitations of its location highlighted the need for a more modern and expansive facility.  In 1916, the Sydney Zoo closed its doors, making way for the establishment of Taronga Zoo , on a more suitable site overlooking Sydney Harbour. This new zoo was designed to meet the more contemporary standards for animal care and conservation, providing larger enclosures and improved facilities for the animals. The closure of the Sydney Zoo led to a significant relocation effort. The animals from the Moore Park zoo were transferred to Taronga Zoo, ensuring their continued care in a state-of-the-art environment. The opening of Taronga Zoo in October 1917 marked a new era in Sydney’s zoological history, reflecting a much greater commitment to both the well-being of the animals and the educational experience of the public. Taronga Zoo quickly became a leading centre for wildlife conservation and public education. The transition from Sydney Zoo in Moore Park to Taronga Zoo in Mosman represented a pivotal moment in Sydney's history, establishing a model for modern zoological institutions and continuing the mission of wildlife preservation and public engagement. To support Taronga Zoo’s continued efforts to breed threatened species, carry on vital scientific research and deliver conservation programs, visit tarongazoo.org.au/donate

The Life and Legacy of Australia’s Trailblazing Indigenous Explorer, Bungaree, the First Aboriginal to Circumnavigate the Continent. More on Mosman By Alec Smart Bungaree, a Garigal Aboriginal from the north shore of Broken Bay, is best known for accompanying Lieutenant Matthew Flinders on his 1802-3 exploratory voyage to chart Australia. As a result, they discovered it was one island continent – not two separate land masses as previously suspected. Bungaree became the first native-born Australian to circumnavigate Australia. As an adviser on edible plants and a mediator in encounters with Indigenous Aboriginals, Bungaree played a vital role during the maritime exploration of Australia in the early 19th century. He is also celebrated as an ambassador and statesman for his people.   Afterwards, Bungaree was encouraged by Governor Macquarie to farm a plot of land near Middle Head, at the approximate location of Georges Heights Oval. Bungaree had a cheeky sense of humour and was renowned for his larrikinism and mimicry of several successive NSW Governors, who considered him a friend. In later years, when newly-arrived ships entered Sydney Harbour, Bungaree frequently rowed his fishing boat out to greet them. He was usually joined by Cora Gooseberry, the ‘queen’ among his two or three wives, and would perform a welcome to country on the incoming vessel’s deck. Typically, he’d wear his familiar ex-Navy bicorne hat and one of several British military uniforms he’d been gifted.   Because of Bungaree’s importance to the early British settlement of Sydney, at least 18 formal portraits were painted of him. In addition, there are several historical landscapes and group portraits in which he appears as a minor figure.   Bungaree is believed to have been born near Rocky Point, Wyong, around 1775-78. As a young adult in the 1790s he travelled south to the British penal settlement of Sydney, and eventually found work as a crew member on HMS Reliance  in 1798. Reliance  brought explorer Matthew Flinders, new Governor John Hunter, and Aboriginal leader Bennelong back from England to Sydney in 1795, arriving in September that year.   Bungaree first came to midshipman Matthew Flinders’ attention in 1798, during a voyage to Norfolk Island aboard the HMS Reliance  commanded by Captain Henry Waterhouse, possibly transporting convicts.   Prior to their epic circumnavigation of Australia, Bungaree aided Flinders on a mission to explore Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay in July-August 1799 on the sloop Norfolk . Because the Moreton and Hervey Bays exploration involved several treks on foot, following creeks inland and ascending mountains, the Britons inevitably encountered Indigenous inhabitants. Bungaree’s communication skills facilitated their passage, despite his being a Dharug speaker, a different dialect to the local clans.   Flinders is credited for recommending ‘Australia’ as the name of great southern land – terra Australis  - previously known as New South Wales (the eastern half) and New Holland (the west). However, before he undertook the great voyage, no one was sure if they were two separate countries. In September 1800, Flinders proposed to resolve the dilemma, and was given command of The Investigator , a refitted Royal Navy vessel of 300+ tonnes that most suited the task of coastal surveying. Simultaneously, a French mission, commanded by Captain Nicholas Baudin, was undertaking a similar voyage. In the spirit of cooperation, each nation issued the competing captains a passport from their country, because the French initially had a claim to the southern territory of New Holland – which they proposed naming Terre Napoleon.   Flinders actually encountered Baudin after the latter’s corvette, La Geographe , was blown off-course by a storm. The two breakfasted together on the morning of 9 April 1802 in a cove on the south coast Flinders named Encounter Bay, near Kangaroo Island. Flinders later recorded that after the two captains compared the new navigational charts they’d drafted, the Frenchman appeared dejected. No doubt Baudin realised that their respective surveys had revealed Australia didn’t consist of two large land masses, but was instead one giant continent, securing Britain’s claim to the territory. Nevertheless, many of the names Baudin allocated to geographic locations he’d observed en-route were later adopted.   Flinders initially began charting the South Australian coast from 6 December 1801, after sailing from England. But during a 12-week break in Sydney for essential ship repairs (replacing rotten timbers) and to take on supplies and supplementary crew, he sought out and recruited Bungaree. On 22 July 1802, Lieutenant Matthew Flinders and assorted surveyors, scientists, illustrators, botanists and ship’s crew, set off in an anti-clockwise direction. On an 18-month voyage between July 1802 – June 1803, Flinders, Bungaree and the crew were the first people to circumnavigate the newly confirmed island continent of Australia.   Sailing in uncharted, treacherous waters and occasionally enduring tragic events, Bungaree provided essential advice and companionship to Commander Finders. He mediated discussions with Indigenous peoples when The Investigator anchored and crew members went ashore, and was able to identify edible plants among the potentially poisonous native flora.   After they were fêted for their incredible accomplishment, both men went on to significantly different lives. Bungaree returned to Sydney, where he enjoyed celebrity status, while misfortune befell the Lieutenant Captain.   Flinders endured six-and-a-half years of wrongful imprisonment as a ‘spy’ by the Napoleonic French on the East African island of Mauritius, from 1804 to 1810. Back home in England and suffering ill health as a result of his long incarceration, Flinders wrote his  memoirs  of the pioneering voyage, A Voyage to Terra Australis . The majority of his report, illustrated with drawings and maps, he had to fund himself due to the British Admiralty’s rejection of Flinders’ fascinating and detailed narrative – they limited their interest to his sea charts. The two-volume chronicle was finally published on 19 July 1814; the following day Flinders succumbed to his health problems and died of kidney disease, aged just 40. He had lapsed into unconsciousness by the time the first printed edition was brought home for his inspection and never saw his completed master work.   1,000 copies of the first edition of Voyage to Terra Australis were published. Peter Harrington Antiquarian Booksellers are currently selling  a well-preserved version for £37,500 ($Aus73,900). The location of Flinders’ grave in London’s St James’ Cemetery was lost to history in 1852, due to the graveyard becoming overcrowded with bodies (over time it far exceeded its 16,000 capacity and absorbed 60,000 corpses). However, Flinders’ coffin was recently rediscovered  in January 2019 during excavations for the HS2 high-speed rail link construction, thanks to a lead nameplate on the casket – lead doesn’t corrode like steel and aluminium. On 13 July 2024, Flinders remains were formally reburied   in Donington, Lincolnshire, the village where he was born.   In February 1815, Lachlan Macquarie, the fifth Governor of NSW, issued a land grant to Bungaree and 14 other Aboriginal men and their families of 15 acres (61,000m2). The first land grant issued to Indigenous people by British colonists, it was situated on fertile soil at Georges Heights, between Georges Head and Middle Head (in the vicinity of the current Georges Heights Oval). The land came with residential huts, farming tools, seeds, clothing, ducks, pigs and a fishing boat. It was created as an incentive for Indigenous people to abandon the hunter-gather existence in favour of European farming, which the Governor termed, the ‘Experiment towards the Civilization of these Natives’.  Macquarie also gifted Bungaree an engraved breastplate inscribed with the words "BOONGAREE – Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe – 1815".  Macquarie, who encouraged convict emancipation, favoured cooperative relations with Aboriginals for the purpose of assimilating them into white society. This despite owning two Indian slave boys he purchased as orphaned infants in Bombay and his wife’s family owning slave plantations in Antigua.   And yet, despite his land grant to Bungaree, following violent skirmishes between settlers and Aboriginals, Macquarie ordered severe retaliation against the increasing Indigenous resistance to the burgeoning colony. His military reprisals led directly to the Appin Massacre of April 1816 and numerous atrocities committed along the Hawkesbury-Nepean in mid to late 1816 during the ‘Frontier Wars’, for which the perpetrators were often rewarded.   Although Bungaree reportedly grew peaches and other produce, within three years he took off on another maritime voyage of discovery, and was gone for 30 weeks. On 22 December 1817, the cutter HMS Mermaid  departed Sydney under the command of Captain Phillip Parker King, to explore and survey Australia’s northern and north-west coasts. Bungaree was aboard, employed to provide advice on which plants were safe to eat and to mediate with any Indigenous peoples they encountered. Governor Macquarie’s Aboriginal farm experiment was a failure. According to the sign at the start of Bungaree’s Walkway, which follows the approximate course Bungaree walked between his Georges Heights land and the sea he so loved, “The farming experiment did not succeed and by 1821 had been almost entirely abandoned.”   In 1828, Bungaree and his family clan, including his wife Cora Gooseberry and their son Bowen, relocated to the Governor's Domain, the parkland adjacent to the Botanic Gardens. Here they survived principally on government rations, with Bungaree, now in his fifties, reportedly in severe decline. Bungaree died   on 18 November 1830 on Garden Island, after a lingering sickness attributable to alcoholism, and was buried in an unmarked grave beside one of his wives in Rose Bay.   Cora Gooseberry, Bungaree’s principle wife, lived until 30 July 1852, when she was found dead of ‘natural causes’ at the Sydney Arms Hotel in Castlereagh St, City. She was buried at Brickfield/Sandhills Cemetery, then later disinterred and buried in Pioneers Cemetery, Botany, when Brickfield was excavated in 1901 to expand Central Station.   There are many place names, institutions and geographical features named after Flinders throughout Australia, and a statue in central Sydney outside Mitchell Library on Macquarie Street. These include the Flinders Ranges (South Australia), Flinders Island (in Bass Strait), Flinders Bay (Augusta, Western Australia), Flinders University (Adelaide), Flinders Highways (two, in Queensland and South Australia), the Melbourne seaside suburb of Flinders (on the Mornington Peninsula), the Australian Navy frigate HMAS Flinders (under construction), and even Flinders Street Station in Central Melbourne.   Even Flinders’ cat, Trim, which accompanied him on numerous sea voyages and eventually his confinement on Mauritius, has a statue on a window ledge behind Flinders’ statue in central Sydney.   Bungaree has fared less prominently in the commemorative stakes, despite his importance to Australian history.   A minelaying ship that later struck a mine and sank was named after him. A cargo ship named Bungaree  was requisitioned by the Australian Navy during WWII and outfitted as an auxiliary minelayer , operating between 1941-46. It was released from active military service after WWII and returned to its owners. It was on-sold twice and subsequently renamed Dampier , then Eastern Mariner . Ironically, during deployment in Vietnam, the former minelayer struck a mine and sank in the Saigon River on 26 May 1966.  After it was salvaged by a Japanese company it operated briefly under the name  Kitagawa Maru  before being scrapped in 1968.   A small ferry that traverses Sydney Harbour, one of six first-generation Emerald Class ferries that began service in 2017, is also named Bungaree . Otherwise, unlike Flinders’ cat, there are no statues commemorating Flinders’ trusted companion… ===================================================